Stars invited to party at Phil Rudd's restaurant

AC/DC drummer Phil Rudd is inviting his bandmates to join him for the star-studded opening of his new upmarket restaurant at the bridge marina in Tauranga this month.

The restaurant - named Phil's Place - will celebrate its opening with a launch party mid-September to which Rudd has invited friends from the rock world, including fellow AC/DC band members Brian Johnson, Angus and Malcolm Young, and Cliff Williams.

Rudd took over The Bridge Bistro and Bar last month. The restaurant, on the edge of the bridge marina, with views to Mount Maunganui, has had a complete overhaul of the interior which has been personally overseen by Rudd.

Rudd promises a fine dining experience in private booths, with a range of steak and seafood. "We have completely re-kitted the inside. I want it to be more than a restaurant - a whole dining experience. I have focused on the visuals, the sound, the smell and of course the taste. Most of all, 'the feel'. It will be a place that will blow your mind."

Rudd has lived in Tauranga for the past 28 years. Born in Australia, he left AC/DC in 1983 and retired to New Zealand. He rejoined the band in 1994.

"I do want to give back to the community, and have plans which I think will really give a boost to the local economy. The restaurant is just the first step," Rudd said.

Rudd said he was not ruling out other restaurants.

"If it goes off I will do whatever it takes. I'm ready."

He has other business plans for the Bay in the offing, and said the restaurant is just the first step in this stage.

"Plan B, well that's going to blow your mind even more."

For the full exclusive interview with Phil Rudd, see indulge magazine in Saturday's Bay of Plenty Times Weekend